There aren’t many things in life that you can guarantee, but the Chatsworth Country Fair being a terrific success is one of them! The Man and I went along on the Saturday and, from the moment you enter the grounds, things are smoother than silk thanks to the gargantuan efforts of all the team.
We got parked in no time at all and went straight to the Chefs on Stage tent in the Food Village, where one Mark Aisthorpe of The Bulls Head in Holymoorside was kicking off the demonstration programme. Let’s just say that Mr Aisthorpe has some mad skills with a hacksaw!! I think I’ll let my butcher do any knife prep for me… can you imagine me with a hacksaw in the kitchen?!
We then had a wander over to the Grand Ring where The Mounted Games Association of Great Britain began the days’ programme in the arena. Cue lots of thrills, [thankfully no] spills, and flying hooves – these lads, lasses, and their equine partners always deliver. Commentary was from the indomitable Mary Worth, whose dulcet tones and witticisms I have enjoyed for more decades than I’ll admit to!
The official opening ceremony was at 11.45am, complete with display from The Parachute Display Team in support of The Royal British Legion; this is obviously weather dependant and on the first day of the Country Fair, didn’t go ahead due to strong winds. Luckily for us, the weather was better behaved, and the team did their display, including ‘fit’ Steve (the commentator’s words, not mine) who landed perfectly and ran dramatically towards the crowd as he gathered in his parachute. This team have distinctive Poppy Canopies on their ‘chutes and comprise serving and ex-members of the armed forces.
Once everyone had landed safely, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band paraded and paused for the Show President, Angellica Bell, to formally open proceedings before parading again. Those of you who think marching bands are middle-of-the-road, let me correct you – Mr Brightside by The Killers, anyone?
We went for a bite to eat in the media centre and edited some content, savouring Quiche, Wild Rice Salad and Garden Salad, all washed down with a coffee. Suitably refreshed, it was time to be entertained by local Ambergate firm, JC Balls and the ‘dancing diggers’. Things have certainly moved on since I saw the original digger on the roof of The Excavator Pub at Buckland Hollow! The High Peak Hunt and Barlow Hounds strutted their stuff, followed by another form of horse-power: the vintage car display. There were some real beauties driving around the ring…though I wasn’t expecting to see Sooty the Bear (and his little human) in the back of one of them.
As well as the main ring, there are other display areas dotted around the Country Fair, so we went to discover what was happening ‘round and about’. Loads, as it happens, ranging from the ‘have a go’ agility that you can do with your own dog, Ferrets, Dry Stone Walling, Fly Fishing, Archery, Aqua Dogs, Highland Dancing, Farriery…pretty much every sector of Rural and Agricultural interests are represented at Chatsworth Country Fair.
We saw the stand of Peterborough-based CJ’s Birds of Prey and, when we heard they were doing a display in the Grand Ring, headed back over. Fun fact: their Gyr-Saker Falcon will appear in television series, The Gentlemen 2 soon, so keep your eyes peeled. Having climbed to a staggering 750ft above us, this majestic bird then swooped in at a whopping 87miles-per-hour!! Literal blink-and-you-miss-it stuff.
Whilst we’d been wandering around, we came across Brockleby’s Pies whose wares we’ve previously had at home. They do do rather scrummy pies…and witty marketing slogans: Nice and Moist Beaver Pie for dinner, anyone?! I have gained my appreciation of Pastel de Nata from Mummy, and will devour these treats at any opportunity, though I’ve only ever had ‘original’ ones. The Sunrise Patisserie aka The Portuguese Tart People had possibly the most enticing stand at the whole fair, and there was no way I was passing up the opportunity to snaffle some of these tarts for later! A pair each of Original, Sicilian Lemon, and Cinnamon were soon housed snuggly in a box and firmly in my clutches. I *may* (i.e. did) have indulged in a spot of wardrobe re-stocking at Rydale, too; as always, they had some fab show deals on.
Smaller members of the family are well catered for as well, especially in the Old Tyme Fairground section: a tall Helter-Skelter, miniature- and full-sized- Carousels, and Ferris Wheel were traditional rides, and there were Zorbs and Racing Car Simulators for more modern experiences.
To say we’d had a full and varied time at Chatsworth Country Fair 2026 is perhaps the biggest under-statement ever, though it’s no word of a lie when I say that it was fun-packed and certainly worth attending. The event is running again tomorrow (Sunday 6th September 2026), so book your tickets at https://chatsworthcountryfair.ticketsrv.co.uk/events
